SCIENCE

NOTE :: Various file formats are used on this page that may require download. If larger than 1mb, it will take longer to download. For instructions or more information, please visit our download page.

The goal of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study(NCSCS) for Science
is to achieve scientific literacy. The National Science Education Standards
define scientific literacy as "the knowledge and understanding of scientific
concepts and processes required for scientific decision making, participation
in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity." (p. 22)

The tenets of scientific literacy include the ability to:

Find or determine answers to questions derived from everyday experiences.

Describe,
explain, and predict natural phenomena.

Understand articles about science.

Engage
in non-technical conversation about the validity of conclusions.

Identify
scientific issues underlying national and local decisions.

Pose explanations
based on evidence derived from one's own work.

North Carolina students can achieve scientific literacy through an instructional
program based on the science component of the Standard Course of Study for Science.
The SCS is designed to merge unifying concepts of science, strands, content
goals, and objectives.

These unifying concepts are:

Systems, Order and Organization

Evidence, Models, and Explanation

Constancy,
Change, and Measurement

Evolution and Equilibrium

Form and Function

The strands include:

Nature of Science

Science as Inquiry

Science and Technology

Science
in Social and Personal Perspectives

The K-8 Science program includes goals and objectives from Life, Physical,
and Earth Sciences each year. The High School Program is based on discipline
specific courses including Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Environmental Science,
Physical Science and Physics. Advanced courses including AP® and IB courses are
encouraged.

SELECTED LINKS

Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant Call for Proposals Now Open
(doc, 25kb)